Mouth problems are commonly seen in adults. These problems make us feel difficulty in eating. Hence, maintaining good oral hygiene eliminates mouth problems. Here are some mouth problems that are common in adults.
Xerostomia: Xerostomia is nothing but a dry mouth. Dry mouth is a problem seen in older people. It decreases the saliva secretions in mouth.
- Causes
- Side effects of some medications
- Nerve damage
- Fever causes dehydration of mouth
- Smoking also decreases saliva secretions
- Treatment
- Dry mouth can be treated by chewing sugar free gums which increases the saliva secretions
- Rinsing mouth with fluoride rinse
- More intake of water
Cold sores: Cold sores are red color spots seen on edges of the mouth. They appear in bunches. They are painful and contagious.
- Causes
- Caused by a virus called Herpes Simplex virus1
- Caused by sharing things with people who have cold sores
- Treatment
- Cold sores can heal in a 1 week without any medications
- If it lasts for more than 10 days, it can be treated at home by pressing on cold sores and using acetone.
- It can also be treated by using anti herpes medications like Acyclovir
Mouth ulcers: Mouth ulcers are round white colored sores on the mucous membrane, lips and under the tongue. There is pain or irritation while eating and drinking.
- Causes
- Deficiency of folic acid and vitamin B12
- Brushing too hard
- Damage of mucous membrane
- Treatment
- Can be treated by using anti viral drugs and immuno suppressant drugs.
- Can be treated by applying local anesthetic gels on the ulcer
Halitosis: Halitosis is a common mouth problem in adults mostly in senior adults. It is an indication of oral problems like dry mouth.
- Cause
- Poor oral hygiene
- Smoking and chewing tobacco
- Treatment
- It can be controlled by taking more water
- Rinsing with mouth washes the bad odor
- Avoid foods like onions, garlic which causes bad odor
Leukoplakia: Leukoplakia is one of the mouth problems associated in adults. It is a white color patch that appears in the mouth which affects mainly lips, tongue, cheeks and gums. If untreated it leads to cancer.
- Causes
- Smoking and chewing tobacco products, betel nuts
- Alcohol consumption
- Treatment
- Leukoplakia can be treated by avoiding smoking and drinking
- It can be treated by removing the patches by surgery.
Mouth problems in adults are very common today, it has to be treated initially to avoid complications in later stages.